Defence and Veterans' Service Commission

Recommendation 122 of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide advised the Australian Government to establish a new statutory entity to oversee reform across the whole Defence ecosystem. This new entity is the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission (DVSC).

The DVSC commenced operations on 29 September 2025. The DVSC will provide independent oversight and evidence-based advice to government on reforms to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members.

Ms Penny McKay will act in the role of the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner until the appointment of an inaugural Commissioner. Recruitment of the inaugural Commissioner is underway.

Contact the commission

The Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission does not handle individual cases, claims, complaints or appeals. For enquiries into individual matters or to lodge a complaint, contact the organisation relevant to your concern.

If you would like to share information that could be of assistance to the DVSC when it considers future areas of inquiry relating to systemic concerns, you can contact the DVSC. Visit Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission for information on how to do this.

Australian Government response to the Senate Inquiry into Australia’s support for Ukraine

The Australian Government has released its response to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee Inquiry report into Australian support for Ukraine.

The government has accepted, in full or in part, 9 of the 22 recommendations; and noted 13 recommendations.

The government response is available at: Australian Government response to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee report: Inquiry into Australian support for Ukraine.

Fifty years of Australian honours and awards system

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Australian honours and awards system, which includes the Order of Australia, the Australian Bravery Decorations and the National Medal.

Founded on 14 February 1975, the honours and awards system was established to recognise the exceptional service and significant achievements of Australians from all walks of life.

Recipients of Australian honours and awards celebrated the milestone with Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, at Government House in Canberra.

Submitted: Australia’s ninth periodic report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women

Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, Minister for Women, has submitted Australia’s ninth periodic report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.

As a party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, Australia has an obligation to periodically report on its progress toward improving the lives of women and girls in Australia.

The report reflects measures taken in the past 4 years across areas including gender-based violence, education, employment, access to justice, First Nations, and health.

Empowering homeowners to make informed decisions

Home energy upgrades can help households reduce their energy bills and Australia’s carbon emissions. However, it’s not always easy for homeowners to identify the most suitable and cost-effective upgrade option, and this can lead to inaction.

BETA partnered with the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to design and test interventions which empower homeowners to take action to upgrade their home’s energy performance.

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